VIntAGE mICROPHONE fLAGS & cALL leTTER fLAGS
Information on the development & styles of vintage call letter plates (microphone flag). Do you have flag in your collection? Email us a picture to add to our gallery. MBiniasz@me.com
So What Are Microphone Flags & Call Letter Plates Worth?
I frequently get asked about the value of microphone flags. Over the course of the last 5 years, auction prices have gradually increased. 2023 selling prices range from $175 to $500. A number of factors that determine microphone value are:
Market Size – Generally, flags from top 25 market stations have a higher value than flags used at small market, low powered or rural stations.
Station History – Was the flag used at a pioneer, heritage station? Was the station part of network (NBC, CBS, Mutual, ABC, Don Lee, etc.)? Was the station known for a particular broadcast personality?
Photographic Evidence – Is there an archival image of a similar flag in use? This helps to determine the flag’s provenance and age.
Type of Microphone Used – It has been noticed that flags for larger studio microphones like RCA 77s, 44s and Western Electric 638Bs command a slightly higher value.
Flags With Side Plates – Usually a three-pieced set with side plates are more desirable to collectors.
Mic Flag & Microphone Matched – If sold with a microphone, did the flag and mic come from the same station?
Authentic Survivor or Reproduction – In the 1990s, a large number of reproduction flags representing broadcast networks (Voice Of America, NBC, CBS, etc.) and large heritage stations (KDKA, WNBC, etc.) were cast. These are generally of high quality and look great on display but have not increased in value from their original retail selling prices.
Mounting Brackets/Original Hardware - Flags that come with original mounting rings, screws. I’d be happy to assist you in determining a fair market value for your flag. Email me at mbiniasz@me.com
Market Size – Generally, flags from top 25 market stations have a higher value than flags used at small market, low powered or rural stations.
Station History – Was the flag used at a pioneer, heritage station? Was the station part of network (NBC, CBS, Mutual, ABC, Don Lee, etc.)? Was the station known for a particular broadcast personality?
Photographic Evidence – Is there an archival image of a similar flag in use? This helps to determine the flag’s provenance and age.
Type of Microphone Used – It has been noticed that flags for larger studio microphones like RCA 77s, 44s and Western Electric 638Bs command a slightly higher value.
Flags With Side Plates – Usually a three-pieced set with side plates are more desirable to collectors.
Mic Flag & Microphone Matched – If sold with a microphone, did the flag and mic come from the same station?
Authentic Survivor or Reproduction – In the 1990s, a large number of reproduction flags representing broadcast networks (Voice Of America, NBC, CBS, etc.) and large heritage stations (KDKA, WNBC, etc.) were cast. These are generally of high quality and look great on display but have not increased in value from their original retail selling prices.
Mounting Brackets/Original Hardware - Flags that come with original mounting rings, screws. I’d be happy to assist you in determining a fair market value for your flag. Email me at mbiniasz@me.com